UNIFIEd lOgIN & SIgN-up:

third party account linking

About nexon

Players can log into their Nexon account using third-party services such as Facebook, Apple ID, or Google. Alternatively, they can use their Nexon ID if they registered directly through Nexon. For those without an account, playing as a guest is also an option. Offering users the ability to create and log in with a third-party account makes users more likely to play because of the streamlined registration and login process. The users’ data is typically more accurate when using third party social accounts and they can bypass filling out registration forms.

The primary goal of this project is to improve the social account linking experience across mobile, desktop, and console platforms by creating a consistent, user-friendly flow. This includes clarifying the differences between registration and login processes, ensuring users understand how third-party authentication (TPA) functions, and reducing confusion from existing error messages. A key focus is to to maintain consistency in the user flow while accounting for regional regulations and platform-specific requirements. The main goal is to build user trust, minimize friction during account creation and login processes, and allow users to seamlessly navigate through the flow despite their region.

ROLES

NEXON

Nexon is a global leader in online and mobile gaming, best known for owning the iconic MMORPG MapleStory, which has attracted over 180 million players worldwide—maintaining massive popularity in South Korea and across Asia, while also building a strong and dedicated following in North America. As a pioneer of the free-to-play model, Nexon has influenced live-service game design globally, expanded to over 45 countries, and generated billions in lifetime revenue through its innovative, community-driven titles.

⟡ UX DESIGNER

PROBLEMS

TPA ERROR: Users attempting to manually sign up with an email already linked to a third-party login (e.g., Gmail) receive a vague error message such as “invalid email.” This lack of clarity creates confusion, as the system doesn’t explain that the email is already associated with an existing Nexon account via third-party authentication. As a result, users may believe they entered the email incorrectly, rather than understanding that the problem is that the email is already in use.
REGION-SPECIFIC ACCOUNT SIGN-UP/IN PROCESSES: There are different regions for Nexon which means varying sign-up and account creation flows depending on the region. Users across different regions face varying sign-up requirements such as ID verification in Korea vs flexible TPA options globally; this leads to confusion when experiences don't match available help resources. The inability to easily switch between TPA and manual login, along with region-locked accounts, confuses and frustrates users, leading to less user retention.

TIMELINE

⟡ 1.5 MONTHS

SOLUTIONS

TPA ERROR: To resolve this, the interface should be redesigned to display a clearer, more informative error message that accurately explains the problem. For example, “This email is already linked to an existing account via Google. Please log in using the 'Continue with Google' option.” This not only reduces user confusion but also improves trust and usability by guiding all users toward the correct next step without unnecessary trial and error. By clarifying system behavior at a critical touchpoint, the experience becomes more intuitive and efficient, especially for new or returning users.
REGION-SPECIFIC ACCOUNT SIGN-UP/IN PROCESSES: While regional regulations make it difficult to standardize Nexon’s account creation and third-party authentication (TPA) flows globally, there are key UX solutions that can improve clarity and consistency across regions. Implementing a region-aware onboarding flow that clearly communicates local requirements helps set user expectations early. A unified entry point for sign-up with modular flows that adapt based on region and login method can simplify the user journey. Clear, contextual error messages (e.g., explaining when an email is already linked to a third-party account) reduce confusion, while transparent account linking and management tools empower users to navigate TPA more confidently.

project overview

GOALS

research

CONSTRAINTS & CONSIDERATIONS

GLOBAL (North America, Europe, etc.):
- Sign-up: Standard email/password form; Drop-down country selection sets locale & currency
- TPA: Google, Facebook, Apple, Steam logins supported
SEA/TW (Southeast Asia & Taiwan/HK/Macau):
- Sign-up: Similar to Global, but country options and services tailored to region (e.g., SEA or TW)
- TPA: TPA support exists, with regional verification steps.
KOREA:
- Sign-up: Requires Korean phone number or resident ID; stricter identity checks.
- TPA: TPA less common; direct Nexon account creation preferred.
JAPAN:
- Sign-up: Similar strict verification (e.g., JP phone/ID). VPN attempts often fail.
- TPA: Mostly direct sign-up; limited TPA use.